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That fact Blake Geoffrion is in the NHL really shouldn't come as a surprise.

The Nashville Predators forward has the kind of bloodlines usually reserved for the next great Triple Crown hope.

His father is Danny Geoffrion, his grandfather is the legendary Boom Boom Geoffrion and his great-grandfather is Howie Morenz, hockey's first superstar.
Really, the big surprise in Blake Geoffrion's story is where he grew up playing the game.

It wasn't in Montreal, the prairies or a U.S. hockey factory.

His hometown is Brentwood, Tenn., a Nashville suburb, where his family moved when he was a toddler.

Years ago, Geoffrion, now 23, attended a Predators game: "Half the rink was filled," he said.

"The other day I said to (David) Legwand -- he has been here since Day 1 -- 'Who would have thought hockey in Nashville would be like it is today.' It's crazy when you think about it."

Geoffrion skated in 20 regular-season games for the Predators and gained a full-time spot for the playoffs.

"We're the focal point for sports in the area -- so that's huge for minor hockey and kids watching and seeing what hockey's all about, especially playoff hockey."

For Nashville minor hockey, he's the poster child, proof one of those wobbly youngsters could be in the NHL some day.

"I played all my youth hockey here, played in the rinks where we'll practice, and it's amazing to come full circle," Geoffrion said. "I think kids look up to it and hopefully see you can make it. Just because you're from Tennessee doesn't mean you can't make it.

"When I was growing up, I think we had 13 high school hockey teams. Now we have 69. There are a lot more kids that want to play."

For Geoffrion, a 2006 second-round choice, he was destined to play.

"I take a whole lot of pride in the Geoffrion name and the Morenz bloodlines. It's pretty special to be part of a family like this," he said. "I'm lucky to be part of the family.